crimzy
Active Member
I started thinking about this issue because there is some local debate regarding s-e-x ed. The issue in this area is whether certain controversial material can be taught in this class to 7th and 9th graders. The material had to do with displaying how a condom is used (with an inanimate object... get your minds out of the gutter). The school board unanimously approved this content, much to the outrage of a lot of parents.
I have mixed feelings about this. At first impression, I think that 7th graders don't really need to learn about the graphic details unless the parents decide to teach it. I like to leave the moral and ethical teachings to the parents. However the more I think about it, the more I think that parents probably have a tougher time talking to their 13-15 year old kids than a teacher might.
If I sit down my 14 year old daughter and teach her about condoms, birth control, pregnancy, etc, isn't it going to then be difficult to let her know that I'll kick her butt if she ever makes that decision at a young age? Isn't talking about those personal things condoning them, in a teen's eyes? Possibly a professional teacher, who has been trained to teach the subject, in a group setting, will be much more effective and less awkward for everyone involved. And then, when the child comes home I can say that I'll kill her if she ever engages in s-e-xual activity. Probably easier as a parent to set the limits when it's not me discussing safe s-e-x.
On the other hand, though, s-e-x education brings up the issue of where do you draw the line. If it's ok to discuss s-e-x ed in the classroom, does the parent then lose the right to prevent any content from being discussed? A lot of people may be ok with s-e-x ed but do not want their 13 year olds learning about homosexuality, abortion, deviant s-e-xual behavior and other ethical issues.
What do you think?
I have mixed feelings about this. At first impression, I think that 7th graders don't really need to learn about the graphic details unless the parents decide to teach it. I like to leave the moral and ethical teachings to the parents. However the more I think about it, the more I think that parents probably have a tougher time talking to their 13-15 year old kids than a teacher might.
If I sit down my 14 year old daughter and teach her about condoms, birth control, pregnancy, etc, isn't it going to then be difficult to let her know that I'll kick her butt if she ever makes that decision at a young age? Isn't talking about those personal things condoning them, in a teen's eyes? Possibly a professional teacher, who has been trained to teach the subject, in a group setting, will be much more effective and less awkward for everyone involved. And then, when the child comes home I can say that I'll kill her if she ever engages in s-e-xual activity. Probably easier as a parent to set the limits when it's not me discussing safe s-e-x.
On the other hand, though, s-e-x education brings up the issue of where do you draw the line. If it's ok to discuss s-e-x ed in the classroom, does the parent then lose the right to prevent any content from being discussed? A lot of people may be ok with s-e-x ed but do not want their 13 year olds learning about homosexuality, abortion, deviant s-e-xual behavior and other ethical issues.
What do you think?
